The engine is like the human heart, and its lubrication system bears a striking resemblance to the circulatory system. Just as humans cannot survive without healthy blood—excessive blood loss or infection can pose a grave threat to life—the same holds true for automobiles. The performance and service life of an engine depend largely on the quality of the engine oil. Consequently, determining oil quality and knowing how to change it properly are crucial considerations, which we will now explore in detail.

I. Identification and Selection of New Engine Oil Quality

Currently, the market is flooded with counterfeit and substandard motor oils, with many products being passed off as high-quality goods. When you need to buy motor oil, it is crucial to be vigilant and choose carefully. For new oil, you can assess its quality by examining its color: genuine motor oil typically has a uniform color, free of impurities, a bright sheen, and a smooth, consistent flow; the packaging is meticulously crafted, with clear, well-aligned graphics and markings that show no color bleeding or overlapping text. Any oil with an uneven color or visible streaks of foreign hues during flow is likely substandard—and using such oil can seriously damage your engine.

II. Identification of Used Engine Oil

Determining the condition of the engine oil in use is the basis for deciding whether to change it.

1. Color-discrimination method

Take a small sample of engine oil and place it in a colorless, transparent container to examine its color. Normally, it should be light brown or pale yellow. If it appears milky white or gray, it indicates that water has entered the oil, and the oil should be replaced promptly. If it turns dark brown or black, it means the oil has degraded and must be replaced without delay.

2. Oil Spot Method

Drop the engine oil to be tested onto a white sheet of paper (preferably filter paper) to form an oil spot. Over approximately 2–3 hours, the oil spot will gradually spread outward from the center, forming three concentric rings. The condition of the engine oil can be assessed by examining the color, width, and morphology of these three zones.

3. Grinding Method

Take a small amount of engine oil from the oil pan, apply it to your finger, and rub it between your fingers and thumb. If you detect impurities in the oil, or if it lacks viscosity and feels watery—perhaps even gritty or slightly acidic—the oil has deteriorated. If, after rubbing, you can see fine, shiny metal particles on your fingers, this indicates significant wear in the engine and that the oil must be changed immediately.

When changing the engine oil, pay attention to the vehicle’s mileage or service interval. Generally, mineral-based oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or every six months; semi-synthetic oil every 7,500 kilometers or every six months; and fully synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers or every year.

It is thus evident that lubricating oil is of paramount importance; it is essential to master the methods for identifying and selecting safe, reliable brands. Golden Globe Lubricants boasts strong technical expertise and state-of-the-art blending capabilities, with products fully meeting the lubrication requirements of both domestic and international automobiles. Choose quality oil—choose Golden Globe. Golden Globe Lubricants is truly trustworthy.